Crab's eye bean (Rhynchosia phaseoloides)
Care, watering, light and tips for Crab's eye bean on Floravia.
Quick facts
- Family: Fabaceae
- Difficulty: Easy to care for
- Watering: every 5 days
- Light: Full sun
- Temperature: 5–35 °C
- Toxicity: Toxic to pets
About Crab's eye bean
Rhynchosia phaseoloides, commonly known as 'Crab's Eye', is a perennial climbing legume valued for its striking bicolored red and black seeds. These seeds, resembling small crab's eyes, are often used in jewelry and crafts. It's an ideal plant for covering pergolas, fences, or walls in warm climates, adding an exotic and decorative touch.
Native range
Tropical Americas, including the Caribbean
Care tips
It requires full sun exposure for optimal flowering and fruiting. Watering should be moderate, allowing the substrate to dry slightly between waterings, and more abundant during dry periods. It prefers well-drained soils, rich in organic matter. Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
How to save a dying Crab's eye bean
- Warning signs
- Yellowing or wilting leaves, soft stems, lack of flowering, or dry pods. The plant looks languid and lacks vigor.
- First aid
- Check drainage. If soil is waterlogged, repot with fresh, airy substrate. If dry, water deeply and check moisture.
- What kills it
- Excessive moisture and poor drainage are its biggest enemies, causing root rot. Also lack of direct sunlight.
- Can it be saved?
- Yes, if you act quickly. Good drainage, sun exposure, and moderate watering are key for recovery. Remove damaged parts.